Early-morning TV viewers have praised Richard Madeley’s “relaxed” approach as he stepped into the Good Morning Britain studio as guest host.

The presenter, best-known as one half of TV duo Richard & Judy, with wife Judy Finnigan, started the week with a 3.30am alarm as he began his stint filling in for ITV breakfast show regulars Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid.

Up at 3.30 to come in and Co host Good Morning Britain. Streets deserted. V strange. On air 6am. Looking 4rd to it.

Another wrote: “So lovely to have a much calmer voice this week instead of Jeremy Kyle constantly shouting your a joy!” while one added: “Nice to see you back maybe others can learn from your professional approach and stop shouting over guests and co presenters!”

So lovely to have a much calmer voice this week instead of Jeremy Kyle constantly shouting your a joy! X 😘

Among the 61-year-old’s most dedicated fans, one commented: “What a great job on @gmb today, so good to see you and looking as sexy as ever, please take the job permanently, looking forward to tomoro.”

What a great job on @gmb today, so good to see you and looking as sexy as ever, please take the job permanently, looking forward to tomoro

Madeley previously commented on the job: “I’ve known Piers for 30 years so sitting in for him on GMB is an excellent opportunity to gather some inside information on him which I will unhesitatingly use to wind him up afterwards.

“Seriously though, I’m looking forward to it immensely and after all those years on This Morning the early starts will seem like old times.”